A Columbia man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday for the kidnapping and sexual assault of an 87-year-old woman in June.
Michael Lawrence Pinkney, 55, of the 6500 block of Overheart Lane, pleaded guilty to one count each of second-degree rape and second-degree sex offense in connection with the kidnapping, sexual assault and beating of an elderly woman on the afternoon of June 15.
According to the statement of facts in the case, Pinkney picked up the woman, who was waiting at a bus stop, by offering her a ride. He then drove her to a wooded area near an empty office complex, in the 10600 block of Little Patuxent Parkway, and dragged her into the woods, where he allegedly beat her and raped her for two hours, according to the facts.
According to Howard County State's Attorney spokesman Wayne Kirwan, prosecutors said during the plea hearing that the crime had a ripple effect among community members.